A reunion between Pochettino and Rodriguez, who worked together during the Argentine manager's time at St Mary's, could spark a transfer merry-go-round as Saints and West Ham go head-to-head for Spurs outcast Townsend.

The England winger has failed to make an impression under Pochettino and was left out the match day squad to face Newcastle.

Reports in the summer claimed Spurs were willing to use Townsend as a makeweight in any deal for Rodriguez or Saints midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, who ultimately remained at the club.

The Daily Telegraph reports Pochettino will ask Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy to sanction a move for the striker in the January transfer window after scoring the 14th lowest goal tally so far this campaign with 11.

Rodriguez is yet to play for Ronald Koeman's side this season after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Manchester City last season.

The 25-year-old is expected to return to the Saints fold in November but with the south coast club flying unexpectantly high in the league, he might face a challenge to restablish himself as Southampton's first-choice striker.